More than 50,000 Australian social housing properties are now warmer in winter, cooler in summer and cheaper to run thanks to the Albanese Government's Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI).
The milestone marks the halfway point towards the energy performance upgrade program's goal of improving more than 100,000 social housing properties.
In partnership with states and territories, the program is delivering practical upgrades tailored to local conditions, including solar systems, batteries, insulation, draught proofing, window glazing and energy-efficient electric appliances. These improvements help reduce energy costs, improve comfort and make homes more resilient to Australia's changing climate.
Working through SHEPI, state and territory delivery partners have made significant changes to Australia's social housing stock including the installation of:
- 6,000 reverse-cycle air conditioners
- 6,000 hot water heat pumps
- 3,500 solar PV systems
The benefits of these upgrades are already being felt by tenants and communities across Australia.
In Claremont, Tasmania, a single mother of five young children saw energy costs fall from around $1,000 a quarter in her previous home to just $85 for one month after moving into an upgraded all-electric home with improved insulation.
In Goulburn, New South Wales, a renter who had been experiencing energy hardship received an energy-efficient air conditioner through SHEPI, alongside a solar system funded through another government program. The upgrades significantly reduced energy use and helped the tenant move off an energy hardship program.
In Far North Queensland, a crisis accommodation centre supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence is saving hundreds of dollars on energy bills after upgrading to electric cooking. The centre can now redirect those savings into frontline support services and facility improvements that directly benefit residents.
A renter in Victoria described the impact of participating in the program:
"It's great that I can contribute to the clean energy program, it makes you feel proud to be part of something bigger."
Each state and territory program is designed to meet the diverse needs of Australia's social housing stock and climate zones, delivering upgrades best suited to local conditions and future climate challenges.
SHEPI is a $1.1 billion initiative delivered in partnership with states and territories, including $800 million from the Australian Government.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:
"The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative is delivering practical cost-of-living relief for people who need it most, helping households stay comfortable year-round while reducing their energy bills.
"This is what climate action looks like in practice. We're improving homes, lowering emissions and making everyday life more affordable for thousands of Australians.
"We've now reached more than 50,000 households across Australia, and behind every one of those upgrades is a person or family benefiting from a healthier, more comfortable and more energy-efficient home.
"Whether it's lower energy bills, greater comfort at home, or stronger community services, these upgrades are making a real difference in people's lives.
"We're halfway towards our goal of improving more than 100,000 social housing properties, helping ensure more Australians can access the benefits of cleaner, cheaper energy."
